Giving A Voice To The Silent

Marisa Schaldach

Giving A Voice To The Silent

Marisa Schaldach

Homelessness is a growing issue with our current shifting economy. We all know that it is out there but we choose to ignore the severity of it. We must all become informed on what we can do to help out these suffering people and give a voice to the silent people you see on the streets.

Causes of Homelessness

Loss of Jobs

Loss of money from drugs

Loss of money from alcohol

Loss of a family member

Family issues

Escaping from abuse

Examples of Homelessness in the Real World

Visit www.invisiblepeople.tv to read and experience personal stores of people that have been homeless for many different reasons.

On the Invisible People website, I read about Brion. A teenager who decided to join the army after being bounced around from foster home to foster home since the age of 9. After suffering an injury, he was discharged and sent home. His mother kicked him out for not giving her money for her drug habits and he was kicked out. He spends the nights on the streets of Pittsburgh, and plans to do something with his life by attending college and getting into criminal justice.

In every story you witness optimism and smiles from people living in terrible conditions. When watching the videos and reading the stories, you cant help but want to open up your heart to help these people. It is amazing how hopeful these people are, and see their wants to build themselves a better future. These people live a worse life than most of us, and yet they are more grateful than us. These people should make us stop and think about the lives that we have been given. They are a great inspiration.

What has been done?

In Fischer v. Stout, the Supreme Court focused on voting rights for the homeless. Homeless people obviously do not have homes, and therefore were not able to vote. This case gave homeless people the choice to use a shelter, park, or street corner address as their residence giving them the opportunity to vote.

What Can be Done?

There are many things that can be done to prevent and help homelessness.

What can the government do?

The government can use the power that they have to pass laws to give people that are homeless another chance to get on their feet, give them shelter and a chance at a job so that they can become something. The government can prevent businesses from denying these suffering people from jobs. These homeless people are not worthless, they want jobs, they need jobs, and I'm sure they would be willing to work harder and longer than any other people that have a home and take things for granted.

What can you or the community do?

The community can create shelters to give these people a roof over their heads. Businesses can open their arms and give these people the jobs that they need to get back on their feet. The community can open their hearts and give these people another chance. You can be grateful for the opportunities you have been given and be sympathetic for those who are not as fortunate, a little consideration can go a long ways.

You have seen these people on the streets, you have read their signs, but have you opened you heart to help?